truth vs. fiction + appearence vs. reality

In The Narrative of Nathan Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket, I understand how one could believe that it really was a completely outrageous, yet nonfiction, nautical story. Poe, in the voice of Pym, does mention how he doesn’t remember certain details, or is writing everything from memory since he didn’t keep a journal as a sort of excuse for the ridiculousness of the story. This premise is not an impossibility. However, it is not completely convincing to me because he miraculously remembers SOME unimportant details, such as the dates he did certain things. When experiencing some of the adventures that are written about, I’m sure that the dates would be the least likely things to occupy any room in Pym’s memory, especially (supposedly) writing this years later. Thus, if I had not known that it was a fiction story, I believe that I would be torn between believing that the story was true based on Poe’s introduction and explanation, or not believing that it was true based on the inconsistency of what is remembered and how absurd the story is.

I also see the possible theme of the difference between reality and appearance comes through with the interactions between the people called “savages” and the men of the ship. The “savages” appear to be peaceful and kind, but turn out to be completely the opposite and plunder nearly the entire crew. It seems that the outcome of that situation was included in the novel to create yet another area of rising action and climax to make it more exciting.